How I Make Watercolour Swatch Tags
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
- Here, I share my three favourite tag designs for watercolour swatching. They can be used for indexing any colour media swatches. I list their pros and cons along with a few small tips so you can make an informed decision. Watch till the end before you commit to one design. There’s no narration, but I include all the key points and information you might need. I hope my video helps you make a choice.
Many people asked where I get my tags? It would have been easy to just post a link but I felt a fair review was in order. When you see them all together, you might change your mind as to what you actually prefer.
The reason I make these myself:
* I can't control how fresh the sizing is as watercolour paper expires
* I want tags using the exact paper I paint on
* It’s a great way to use up scraps
* You can be sure there won’t be fingerprints, marks or grease
* Compact machines are reasonably priced (links below)
* I genuinely enjoy the process!
All three dies perform perfectly when used as intended on regular craft paper. My review here is based on cutting 300gsm watercolour cardstock which pushes their boundaries. Still, I find they work very well and I love the results.
My video is not sponsored in any form. I purchased everything myself. All items used are listed below, some of them are affiliate links. If you’d like to support my channel, I’d appreciate it.
Tag Dies - NOT affiliate links
mftstamps Stitched Tag bit.ly/3DpnkQk
Modascrap Hanging Tag bit.ly/3FFheyj
Hunkydory Moonstone Tag and Banner Set bit.ly/3FWCiAz
Hunkydory (similar) bit.ly/3fxGax2
Below are affiliate links - thanks for supporting my channel
Screw punches
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3x2W5bT
Amazon.de amzn.to/3WpoELM
Amazon.com (similar) amzn.to/3sRUvXZ
Binder Rings
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3HlAv6Y
Amazon.com amzn.to/3frIzZW
Low Tack Tape
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3HNL4Bn
Amazon.de amzn.to/3UhNkEe
Amazon.com amzn.to/3UnGrRF
Machine - You don’t need a whole platform machine (like mine) just to cut tags. As a long time crafter, I’d recommend Gemini, Sizzix and Cricut Cuttlebug machines.
** Compact option for cutting small dies **
Gemini Cutting Machine
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3jhRa3r
Amazon.de amzn.to/3T1oBDc
Amazon.com amzn.to/3DyjsN0
Sizzix Sidekick Die Cutting Machine
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3HLm7pZ
Amazon.de amzn.to/3UntdV0
Amazon.com amzn.to/3fs4yjs
** Full platform machine for most die sizes **
Sizzix Big Shot
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3Yc0KU9
Amazon.de amzn.to/3TYU5v5
Amazon.com amzn.to/3SU3pio
Cricut Cuttlebug (Upgraded version of the one I have)
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3JqQi7e
Amazon.de amzn.to/3DApbSN
Amazon.com amzn.to/3WuF05R
** Electric one if you feel fancy **
Gemini Electric
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3WWoCdo
Amazon.com amzn.to/3Nu0yLQ
Sizzix Electric
Amazon.CO.uk amzn.to/3wHwF3l
Amazon.com amzn.to/3zDJUUk
00:00 Favourite Dies - Hunkydory Craft, Moda Scrap Hanging Tag, mftstamps
01:45 How to cut with the Cricut Cuttlebug Cutting Machine
04:54 Hole punching and size comparison
06:19 Practical use review
09:08 Final tips
10:15 Ending
Music:
Epidemic Sound
epidemicsound.com
#papercraft #papercrafts #watercolour #watercolor #colortherapy #sizzix #cricut #crafterscompanion #diecutting #cuttingmachine #mftstamps 
Хобби
![Gunna - today i did good [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ulGLk8TaXcI/mqdefault.jpg)
You’ve been asking, now you have it! 😂 I’d like to show you my three favourites all in one go! There are pros and cons to consider here! Links are all in description along with additional details. They're relatively low cost to make, use your own desired paper and the process is fun! Enjoy! 🥰
“If you like it, put a ring on it”😂😂😂 Thank you for this video, it was really helpful.💕
So glad to hear you enjoyed it. 🤗 Have fun playing! 😄🎨
Yesterday, I was cutting swatches just like these and I was thinking to myself, I’m so smart I never seen any videos use this method for watercolor swatches.
LOL! Great minds think alike Patricia!
Love them on the binder rings. I plan to make a small tag with the brand name and maybe put color name and pigment info on the backs.
I wrote the pigment info on the back too! Have fun! 😊 🤗
Great idea... thanks!
Happy to share with like minded folks! Have a great day 🤗
How do you recall which colour is which? I love that your videos have no narration, they are a joy
Awww, thanks Louise! Some folks give out about no narration but I don't like the sound of my own voice much so it works for me 😂😂😂 I sort them based on the palette they came from and I know them a bit too well. The ones where I get confused have writing on the back. Still, they're not my reference as a full index. I keep those full swatches in a binder for daily reference. These are just cute, handy for comparing and also, because they are individual tags, I can put one directly against another colour in a painting to decide if I might like it.
Thank you @papertude! This was a beautiful video and very useful links. It reminded me to look up for a Fiskars Tag maker punch I have in my stash, but haven't used for years. Originally to make gift tags, but seeing yours I think it could make swatch tags like yours. It not only punches the tag but also makes the hole and has an eyelet insert punch. Your video reminded me of it! Thanks also for the link to the low tack tape. I did not know that one and it will be super handy. Thanks 🙏
Now you remind me of Fiskars, I might well have some put away myself from years ago. It's like a time capsule to think back. Let me know if they'll cut 300gsm for you? 🤗
@@Papertude That is very kind of you. I just tried it with Canson Aquarelle XL 300gsm. And it worked!!!
Lol, now I have to go digging through all my craft stash. Probably I have to face up to the shameful ammount of gigantic Martha Stewart punches ... before I can reach the Fiskars ones! Let the archaeology begin! 🦕🦴️🙈
@@Papertude Yes indeed. Isn't it. Ice, though? "Shop from your stash" could be a thing: finding stuff that is as good as new because we have used it so little 🫣🤭😂
I do the humble scissor cut because I don't craft. I write the brand, pigment number(s), and other relevant info on the back. I'm working on common mix swatch cards that I would use in my paintings. The goal for that is a minimal palette (fewer convenience colors).
Thank you for making this video.
It was my pleasure!
OMgoodness! why didn't i think of this... i have a di-cutting machine from way back when i was scrapbooking... gonna have to dig it out of strorage.... love the idea of putting the swatches on a ring for easy access. thanks for the vid. very helpful.
Enjoy the nostalgic moment! I almost didn't make this for shyness with my ancient Cuttlebug! 🤗
This was perfect! Thank you so SO SOOOO much!😄😄
Happy to share with you. If you are making it have fun! 🤗
They are so cute!! I keep my colour pencil swatches on rings but I cut them straight with a cutter. My watercolour swatches are business card sized and in folders - now I feel I should swatch them again 😂
Lol - It's good for the soul! 😂 Enjoy the mischief! 🤗
@@Papertude Hehe, so true!!
Well done!
🤗 Thanks Susana!
This is such a great idea! :D
Thank you! 🤗
Hello Papertude,
Some questions, and a short story below!
Q In the Schmincke mixing set video that you did recently, what is this paper?
(Surely not 300gsm watercolour card stock?)
I loved how it soaked in, and the texture!
Just wow.
Q Do you die cut over paintings you don't like or just take from their corners?
You definitely could make and sell your tags on Etsy!
Q Could you tell me what features, characteristics you go for when purchasing a die cutter?
Q Ideally, multi-use, to hopefully use it to do relief or intaglio printing?
I am familiar with intaglio printmaking presses...on printmaking paper, soaked, used damp.
In presses, the bigger the better, bolted to the floor, on metal stands at the height you need, with a huge spoked wheel, or a handle that minimizes the effort with gears to make it easy to pull the bed along between the two metal rollers.
Yes they are lovely, with 2 tonnes of pressure, with two metal rollers, to get oil based intaglio ink out of scratched lines, to create embossed plate edge marks.
We use thick felt blankets. Welcome to copper and zinc etching, and solar plates that react to both UV and water to get a quick image on the block.
We use registration boards, marks, tape. We don't tape the plate but we make a board that the paper sits in a corner, the block or plate, sits in a smaller corner. We make registration boards with right angle looking mat board, stuck ontop of each other out of a thick box board, with different heights. (paper thickness and plate height - thickness)
We don't use tape, rather the felt helps, if it is tight. Tape would leave an impression, embossed!
The bed that moves with the handle is cast iron, heavy, and polished.
These beauties are close to 20,000 dollars, and to move them, the cost to move heavy large things, I would assume it would be another 4000 dollars.
These would take up a space, print A1 size or possibly a large mural on a paper roll. So while I was a printmaker, this is just a pipe dream I had once. Go for the best, or not at all! NSW Uni had one of these giants...
The smallest, would be reasonable, at 450 dollars. the stand 200 dollars, but you would have some arm work, and it would be a school, student size. This would be your upgrade!
I think you could try thick wool felt, instead of the pieces of plastic for the bed. 2 blankets an inch thick, with the size of the width and length of the bed. See Aliexpress.
A press with a bed, just has stoppers to make the bed, not fall out. You can't print to the length of the press ,just to the length of the metal stoppers.
I would be willing to try to print on something, that you recommend for die cutting. I have been seeing little die cutters on Aliexpress. My friend would also be interested in using a multipurpose machine.
I think I would need to put it away in a cupboard.
Q Are there any with two metal rollers?
Q Do some have little sucker feet?
Q Is heavy better?
Q What kind of table/bench do you use?
An intaglio press could potentially be used for many things;
die cutting, pressing, gluing eg spray adhesive, laminating, embossing, paper marks, edge marks, relief printing, collagraphs, and me thinks with the pressure off (from the top) gelli plates....
Thanks for the inspiration. :)
A clear, easy to follow, great silent video with super cute results!
In kindred spirit,
Eliza
3rd November 2022 9:29pm
Dulwich Hill, Sydney Australia xx
Hi Eliza - I thought you said short! 😄 Here are some answers I hope they help
Yes, all small tags are 300gsm watercolour cardstock. Paper is linked in that video's description. In the mixing parts, I sped up the soaking time between brush strokes so as not to waste viewers time. The paper is no more magical than others!
I take the clean corners because I need a clear back to write pigment details.
I listed why I make them myself in the description. The problem of buying premade tags is the paper. Which paper really it is, how fresh is the sizing and are there any grease marks on it? The whole idea here is to use the paper you are painting on and hence the swatches have value.
Small machines are widely available and relatively low cost. There are also electric ones. It's also fun to make.
The machine I use in the video is well over 10 years old and working perfectly (apart from the suction feet). It can do embossing as well. Some basic printing techniques can be done with the embossing folder if you're very creative.
The Intaglio printmaking presses sound wonderful. I expect they were the inspiration for the little machines. All small machines have two metal rollers and some sort of rubber/suction feet. They use these light dies, but they would wear out if used commercially. I'd love to go see the giant version in action some day.
Either way, if you're considering a small machine I'd say to stay with the reputable brands.
All the best - Lianne 🤗
@@Papertude Thanks so much, Lianne.
Do you mean the reputable brands that you listed under the video?
Where are you based?
Most of my comments to RUclipsrs, are longer than this... lol.
Used to be a teacher.
My printmaking teachers at Uni or TAFE would laugh themselves silly, if I put a little die in a big machine press!
Hand printing is so much fun..
A publishable space, as a writer, I like to copy these letters down and save them to other programmes. We never know if this great RUclips programme will be around for ever.
Lets hope it is!
In kindred spirit
Eliza
3rd November 2022
Yes Eliza, as a very long time crafter, I listed the three I know can be trusted. The little die in a such a big machine ... it just might not handle the pressure! Here in Ireland, I don't know where I'd find a printmaking class here. Creative hobbies nurture our souls and we all need this in one form or another. Take care, have fun! 🤗
Man, that's a lot of effort
No kidding! 💪
Hi can you please explain to me how to tell if sizing is old? I have a couple of pads that are a couple of years old but still in plastic packaging, would they still be good? Thank you 😊
If sealed, most likely they'll be fine for a year ot two. How to tell if they're gone off? When you apply the color, it wont disperse as you expect. You'll see one of two situations depending on the type of paper: either the colour will blotch on the surface and won't go in, or it'll be sucked straight in deep into the fibres and look weird. Its easy to tell when its happened. Through my own mistakes. I learnt not to stock watercolour paper and to only open sealed blocks when I'm ready to use them. Hope that helps!
@@Papertude Yes thank you.
Lianne @Papertude , I have no words to thank you enough for your kindness and attention for putting up such a great video attending my request regarding the tags and covering everything about it sooner than I expected, sacrificing your sleeping. Not mentioning your generosity in sharing your experience and knowledge.
I hope and I am sure the universe is giving back to you all of the good things you do with the great talent you own.
Thank you so so much!!! I learned a lot now and I am gonna save this to rewatch.
🫶🏻
I didn't know I'd start to do Made to order videos 😂 To hear from you it helps and is liked is great encouragement, delightful and makes it all worth while. Thanks also for your wonderful comment and kindness 💗🤗
I like it! However I clicked 👍instead of 💍😁🥰😁. 🤎💚🤎💚🤎💚🤎